How to Pick Out Ski Boots

Rate this post

Whenever a customer or a friend asks me what ski equipment they should get to start out I give them my go to gear speech: “I recommend spending those first few hundred dollars on a good pair of boots, it’s the most important piece of ski equipment.”

The need for comfortable boots in skiing is a truism for a few reasons. First, skiing is all about having fun, and if your feet are constantly in pain, or you have loose control of your skis because of poorly fitted boots “… you’re not going to have a good time.” Second, the ski boot is the place where your movements are translated onto the ski. The better your boots fit the more accurately your movements translate to carving, smearing, and slashing.

There are a few important things to consider when purchasing ski boots. Below is a list of steps to consider when purchasing ski boots.

1. Set Aside Time

Buying a pair of ski boots isn’t like buying a pair of shoes. It takes more than just making sure they match your jeans; it takes time and patience.

The first thing you need to do is research a good shop where they have a wide selection of brands and good boot fitters. I highly recommend finding boot fitters who have gone through Masterfit University– it’s the medical school of boot fitters. Finding a good boot fitter is worth their weight in gold. Their knowledge can help steer you in the right direction based on your ability level, foot shape, and skiing goals. Boot fitters know the latest trends in technology, and can help navigate you through the myriad of choices that are available today.

Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to try on boots. It’s completely normal to wear a pair of boots for up to 20 minutes in the store to make sure it fits well. Remember, during a typical day on the slopes you’ll be in your boot for well over four hours, so you want to make sure your boot will stay comfortable for long periods of time.

2. Determine What You’re Looking For

It’s important to know your ability level before purchasing boots, which can affect what you should be looking for in a boot:

• Beginner skiers- If you’re new to the sport or are still picking it up, you’ll be wanting to look for a boot that has a lower flex (i.e. softer boot)- somewhere between 65-90. Keep in mind that “flex” is not measured in a uniform unit, so it can vary between different brands. E.g. one company’s 70 flex may be softer than another brand’s 80 flex. Comfort and warmth are other attributes you should be focusing on. Boots that have a softer liner with more “loft” will suit this purpose.

• Intermediate/Advanced skiers- As you become more advanced try out stiffer boots with a flex of 90 and above. You may also want to try stiffer liners. Stiffer liners may not be as comfortable, but they’re higher performance and more durable.

Aside from your skill level, know what type of skiing you’ll be doing. For every type of skiing out there is an ideal boot:

• Racing- Ski racers typically look for boots that are stiffer and have more forward lean. Forward lean is the angle between the foot and the shin of the boot. Racing boots more commonly have a four buckle system, allowing for maximum tightness.

• Freestyle- The opposite of racing boots, freestyle boots are typically softer and have less forward lean. Of course this is mostly true for jibbing. Half pipe and big air athletes sometimes prefer a stiffer boot. Many freestyle skiers also lean towards a three piece boot as opposed to the traditional two piece boot. A three piece boot has a floating tongue, which offers a progressive flex pattern to the boot.

• Backcountry- If you are going into the backcountry, poking into the sidecountry, or accessing hike-to territory you may want to consider boots with a walk-mode and/or different binding compatibility. Some boots are built specifically for AT set-ups, are feather light, and have a walk-mode better than your hiking boots. Other ski boots are more performance focused with a stiffer spine and DIN-compatibility. Really decide where you are going to be skiing, and how your prioritize weight, walk comfort, and on snow performance.

Bottom line: be sure your boots will fit with your bindings, and consider how good the walk mode is if you’re doing a lot of hiking, touring, or climbing.

3. Try on A LOT of Boots

As I said before, ski boots are NOT shoes. Where most sneakers mold to your foot due to their soft nature, ski boots are hard shelled and not as forgiving.

Every company has a different shaped mold for all their boots. As a result, every boot is shaped differently- just like your foot. Consider it like a lock and a key. It doesn’t matter how cool those tiger striped boots are, your feet might just be too wide. You’ll find that certain boots just fit your feet better than others. In other words, don’t be persuaded by the “best boots” of the season, seek out boots that will fit your feet the best.

All that being said, a good boot fitter can do masterful things, and can completely mold your boot to your foot. Which brings me to perhaps the most important step…

4. Get Your Boots Fitted

Even after you’ve found the perfect boot, you’re not done yet! I highly recommend you spend the extra money to get it fitted. Getting a boot fitted can involve numerous things: heat molding the shell, customized foot beds, customized liners, canting, buckle adjustments, and even swapping parts from one boot to another. Boot fitters consider your stance, biomechanics, anatomy, and pedorthics when fitting your boot in order to maximize performance. If this all sounds very complex and confusing that’s because it is. I wasn’t lying when I said they literally are ‘boot doctors’.

Consider the boot like the steering wheel of your car. If your steering wheel has some ‘play’ it’s tough to effectively control your car. Likewise, if your boot doesn’t respond to your motions the control over your skis will be compromised. Whether you’re navigating a rocky couloir, racing down an icy slope, or cruising some corduroy you’ll appreciate the flawless control of a well fitted boot.

5. Continue to Work on Your Boots

Boots are a long term investment, and if taken care of properly they should last you many seasons. As your boots age there are many things you can do to increase the longevity of your investment.

Liners pack in over numerous seasons, but if the shell is in good shape you can simply purchase new liners and save some money. As the shell wears over time you may find you’ll need to adjust the buckles to keep them tight. Booster straps are another great way to increase the shin to cuff contact, and can reduce the need to crank down on those upper buckles. Ski trax, or similar products, can help to reduce the wear and tear on your toe and heels, eventually leading to a poor/loose fit in your bindings. Another option is to purchase boots that have replaceable toe and heel pieces, and swap them out as they wear down. Taking your liners out to dry after long days, or purchasing a good boot dryers can also increase their shelf life (as well as keeping down the foot funk). Also, after you take off your boots be sure to keep the boots buckled to “cure” the shell, keeping their fit good and tight.

Ski boots are a huge part of a skier’s quiver, and great deliberation should be given when you are purchasing them. You’re not just buying an accessory to your outfit, you’re buying comfort and control for many future ski seasons.

You are viewing this post: How to Pick Out Ski Boots. Information curated and compiled by Kayaknv.com along with other related topics.

Previous articleBest Ski Boots For 2022-2023
Next articleAmazon.com
I'm a writer who focuses on the outdoors and travel. I share my time between Alaska and Colorado, where, when I'm not writing, I enjoy camping, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and skiing (often with dogs in tow). My byline may also be seen in publications such as The New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and others.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here